Security Operations Center Analyst Jobs for OPT Students
Security Operations Center Analyst roles are among the most OPT-friendly positions in cybersecurity. Employers frequently sponsor H-1B visas for this role due to persistent talent shortages. STEM OPT extensions apply, giving you up to three years of work authorization while you build hands-on threat detection and incident response experience.
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Get Access To All JobsMake a difference at one of Florida’s premier institutions for education in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). Florida Polytechnic University, ranked the No. 1 public college in the region by U.S. News and World Report, offers a unique working environment that encourages faculty and staff to be part of a culture that prizes collaboration, innovation, and the willingness to go above and beyond to ensure our students and University succeed. Florida Poly offers a small campus academic environment where students form connections with their faculty and peers as they pursue high-value degrees in engineering and applied sciences.
The University is equipped with cutting-edge facilities and equipment and two award-winning, architecturally distinct academic buildings. Its evolving curriculum, designed to meet the needs of industry and provide a life-long educational foundation for students, has helped the institution grow in prominence since its opening in 2014. Florida Poly’s deliberately small classes, affordability, and outstanding graduate outcomes have helped it earn recognitions such as being named a top value school, in the top 25 nationally for affordability, and in the top five best universities in the South for tech students. Accredited by ABET and SACSCOC, Florida Poly is educating some of the brightest minds in Florida and attracting standout talent from across the nation.
JOB TITLE
Student Worker - ITS Security Operations Center Analyst
JOB DESCRIPTION SUMMARY
Florida’s only public university exclusively teaching science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) is looking for exceptional candidates to serve as the ITS Security Operations Center Engineer for the IT Infrastructure Services team in the Information Technology Services (ITS) Division.
Student Professional Experiences in the ITS Division (ITS Student Internships) provide Florida Poly students with opportunities to gain valuable professional experience that complements their educational programs and degree goals. Each professional experience is designed, with appropriate Academic Affairs approvals (see the Florida Poly Internships page), to count toward the University’s Professional Internship Experience requirement.
JOB DESCRIPTION
Responsibilities:
This position involves professional experience and work that will help prepare students for work, post-graduation, in today’s professional workplace environment. This position will focus on the many areas of IT development, operations, and support in the University’s central IT unit, as well as work alongside ITS professionals as an integral member of a project team or operational workgroup.
The Student SOC Analyst will work closely with the University’s Security Operations Center (SOC) team, supporting real-time monitoring, incident detection, and response activities to protect the University’s IT infrastructure.
The Student SOC Analyst will be responsible for assisting with the analysis of security alerts, triaging potential threats, maintaining monitoring tools, and supporting SOC initiatives. This role involves hands-on work with security information and event management (SIEM) platforms and collaboration with ITS cybersecurity professionals as part of an operational team focused on safeguarding university systems.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
- Excellent interpersonal, communication, and customer service skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate with team members and communicate technical information clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.
- Strong attention to detail, documentation, and organizational skills to ensure accurate incident recording and reporting.
- Ability and willingness to quickly learn new security technologies, tools, and SOC procedures.
- Advanced problem-solving skills to efficiently troubleshoot security alerts, system issues, and workflow challenges.
- Ability to work independently, manage priorities, and follow through on assignments with minimal supervision.
- Knowledge of Microsoft operating systems, Microsoft Office suite, and familiarity with common IT tools such as Adobe products.
- Basic understanding of cybersecurity principles including network security, threat detection, and incident response.
- Familiarity or willingness to learn key SOC tools such as Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) platforms, Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) tools, firewalls, and intrusion detection systems.
- Ability to assist with the installation, configuration, and maintenance software related to security monitoring and operations.
- Basic scripting experience (e.g., Python, PowerShell, Bash) is a plus for automating routine tasks and data parsing.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
- Must be currently enrolled and attending classes at Florida Polytechnic University.
- Must meet University student employment requirements including, but not limited to, GPA and academic standing.
- Must have a passion for technology and continuous learning.
REQUIRED LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS, AND/OR SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS OF LAW:
- This position requires a criminal background check.
- This position is subject to federal and state privacy regulations.
NORMAL WORK SCHEDULE:
A student worker is limited to 20 work hours per week while classes are in session.
TARGET HIRING SALARY:
$14.25 hourly
APPLICATION DEADLINE DATE:
The position is open until filled; however, review of applications will commence immediately.
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS REGARDING ATTACHMENTS:
Required attachments are listed on each posting. Please be sure to attach all required documents in the Resume/CV field before continuing through the application. Once your application has been submitted, no changes may be made and additional attachments will not be considered.
An unofficial copy of the degree/transcript is acceptable during the application process. For positions requiring a degree, the official transcripts are required upon hire.
Foreign Transcript: Transcripts issued outside of the United States require a equivalency statement from a certified transcript evaluation service verifying the degree equivalency to that of an accredited institution within the USA. This report must be attached with the application and submitted by the application deadline.
All document(s) must be received on or before the closing date of the job announcements.
DIVERSITY STATEMENT:
Florida Polytechnic University is an equal opportunity/equal access institution. It is the policy of the Board of Trustees to provide equal opportunity for employment and educational opportunities to all (including applicants for employment, employees, applicants for admission, students, and others affiliated with the University) without regard to race, color, national origin, ethnicity, sex, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status or genetic information.
This position requires a background check, which may include a level II screening as required by the Florida Statute §435.04.
Make a difference at one of Florida’s premier institutions for education in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). Florida Polytechnic University, ranked the No. 1 public college in the region by U.S. News and World Report, offers a unique working environment that encourages faculty and staff to be part of a culture that prizes collaboration, innovation, and the willingness to go above and beyond to ensure our students and University succeed. Florida Poly offers a small campus academic environment where students form connections with their faculty and peers as they pursue high-value degrees in engineering and applied sciences.
The University is equipped with cutting-edge facilities and equipment and two award-winning, architecturally distinct academic buildings. Its evolving curriculum, designed to meet the needs of industry and provide a life-long educational foundation for students, has helped the institution grow in prominence since its opening in 2014. Florida Poly’s deliberately small classes, affordability, and outstanding graduate outcomes have helped it earn recognitions such as being named a top value school, in the top 25 nationally for affordability, and in the top five best universities in the South for tech students. Accredited by ABET and SACSCOC, Florida Poly is educating some of the brightest minds in Florida and attracting standout talent from across the nation.
JOB TITLE
Student Worker - ITS Security Operations Center Analyst
JOB DESCRIPTION SUMMARY
Florida’s only public university exclusively teaching science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) is looking for exceptional candidates to serve as the ITS Security Operations Center Engineer for the IT Infrastructure Services team in the Information Technology Services (ITS) Division.
Student Professional Experiences in the ITS Division (ITS Student Internships) provide Florida Poly students with opportunities to gain valuable professional experience that complements their educational programs and degree goals. Each professional experience is designed, with appropriate Academic Affairs approvals (see the Florida Poly Internships page), to count toward the University’s Professional Internship Experience requirement.
JOB DESCRIPTION
Responsibilities:
This position involves professional experience and work that will help prepare students for work, post-graduation, in today’s professional workplace environment. This position will focus on the many areas of IT development, operations, and support in the University’s central IT unit, as well as work alongside ITS professionals as an integral member of a project team or operational workgroup.
The Student SOC Analyst will work closely with the University’s Security Operations Center (SOC) team, supporting real-time monitoring, incident detection, and response activities to protect the University’s IT infrastructure.
The Student SOC Analyst will be responsible for assisting with the analysis of security alerts, triaging potential threats, maintaining monitoring tools, and supporting SOC initiatives. This role involves hands-on work with security information and event management (SIEM) platforms and collaboration with ITS cybersecurity professionals as part of an operational team focused on safeguarding university systems.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
- Excellent interpersonal, communication, and customer service skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate with team members and communicate technical information clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.
- Strong attention to detail, documentation, and organizational skills to ensure accurate incident recording and reporting.
- Ability and willingness to quickly learn new security technologies, tools, and SOC procedures.
- Advanced problem-solving skills to efficiently troubleshoot security alerts, system issues, and workflow challenges.
- Ability to work independently, manage priorities, and follow through on assignments with minimal supervision.
- Knowledge of Microsoft operating systems, Microsoft Office suite, and familiarity with common IT tools such as Adobe products.
- Basic understanding of cybersecurity principles including network security, threat detection, and incident response.
- Familiarity or willingness to learn key SOC tools such as Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) platforms, Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) tools, firewalls, and intrusion detection systems.
- Ability to assist with the installation, configuration, and maintenance software related to security monitoring and operations.
- Basic scripting experience (e.g., Python, PowerShell, Bash) is a plus for automating routine tasks and data parsing.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
- Must be currently enrolled and attending classes at Florida Polytechnic University.
- Must meet University student employment requirements including, but not limited to, GPA and academic standing.
- Must have a passion for technology and continuous learning.
REQUIRED LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS, AND/OR SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS OF LAW:
- This position requires a criminal background check.
- This position is subject to federal and state privacy regulations.
NORMAL WORK SCHEDULE:
A student worker is limited to 20 work hours per week while classes are in session.
TARGET HIRING SALARY:
$14.25 hourly
APPLICATION DEADLINE DATE:
The position is open until filled; however, review of applications will commence immediately.
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS REGARDING ATTACHMENTS:
Required attachments are listed on each posting. Please be sure to attach all required documents in the Resume/CV field before continuing through the application. Once your application has been submitted, no changes may be made and additional attachments will not be considered.
An unofficial copy of the degree/transcript is acceptable during the application process. For positions requiring a degree, the official transcripts are required upon hire.
Foreign Transcript: Transcripts issued outside of the United States require a equivalency statement from a certified transcript evaluation service verifying the degree equivalency to that of an accredited institution within the USA. This report must be attached with the application and submitted by the application deadline.
All document(s) must be received on or before the closing date of the job announcements.
DIVERSITY STATEMENT:
Florida Polytechnic University is an equal opportunity/equal access institution. It is the policy of the Board of Trustees to provide equal opportunity for employment and educational opportunities to all (including applicants for employment, employees, applicants for admission, students, and others affiliated with the University) without regard to race, color, national origin, ethnicity, sex, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status or genetic information.
This position requires a background check, which may include a level II screening as required by the Florida Statute §435.04.
How to Get Visa Sponsorship as a Security Operations Center Analyst
Target employers with active security clearance programs
Defense contractors and federal IT service firms like Booz Allen and SAIC regularly hire OPT students for SOC roles. These employers have established visa sponsorship pipelines and are accustomed to navigating work authorization requirements for technical security staff.
Earn certifications before you apply
CompTIA Security+, CySA+, or a GIAC certification signals job-readiness to hiring managers. SOC teams operate under constant pressure, so employers prioritize candidates who can contribute immediately. Certifications reduce the perceived risk of sponsoring someone early in their career.
Emphasize SIEM and EDR tool experience on your resume
Hands-on experience with Splunk, Microsoft Sentinel, CrowdStrike, or similar platforms is what SOC hiring managers screen for first. If you gained exposure through coursework or labs, list the specific tools. Specificity signals real competency, not just familiarity with the field.
Apply to managed security service providers directly
MSSPs like Secureworks, Trustwave, and similar firms hire SOC analysts at scale and sponsor visas regularly. Because they staff multiple client environments, they have ongoing hiring needs and more sponsorship experience than typical enterprise employers hiring for a single headcount.
Address your OPT status early in the process
Raise your work authorization timeline in the first recruiter call, not after an offer. Explain your STEM OPT end date and H-1B eligibility window clearly. Employers who can plan around your timeline are far more likely to commit to sponsorship than those caught off guard late.
Build a home lab and document it publicly
A GitHub repository or writeup showing a personal SOC lab, threat hunting exercise, or malware analysis project gives interviewers something concrete to evaluate. SOC hiring decisions often hinge on demonstrated technical initiative, and a public portfolio separates you from candidates with identical resumes.
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Get Access To All JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Do Security Operations Center Analyst roles qualify for STEM OPT extension?
Yes. SOC Analyst positions fall under CIP codes tied to computer science, information technology, and cybersecurity, which are all designated STEM fields. That gives you a 24-month extension on top of your initial 12-month OPT period, for up to 36 months of total work authorization after graduation.
How common is H-1B sponsorship for SOC Analyst roles?
Sponsorship is relatively common in this field compared to other entry-level technical roles. Cybersecurity talent shortages mean employers can't afford to screen out OPT candidates. Defense contractors, MSSPs, and large enterprise security teams in financial services and healthcare sponsor H-1B visas for SOC Analysts with regularity. Browse verified sponsoring employers on Migrate Mate.
Can I work as a SOC Analyst on OPT if the role requires security clearance?
Clearance-required roles are effectively off-limits on OPT because U.S. security clearances are restricted to U.S. citizens and, in limited cases, permanent residents. However, many SOC positions at cleared facilities don't require the analyst themselves to hold clearance. Look specifically for roles listed as clearance-eligible or uncleared analyst positions within cleared environments.
What does a SOC Analyst job description typically require in terms of degree and field?
Most SOC Analyst postings require a bachelor's degree in computer science, information systems, cybersecurity, or a closely related field. Some employers accept degrees in electrical engineering or mathematics when paired with relevant certifications. The degree-to-role alignment matters for both the job itself and for confirming that your OPT authorization covers the position under your designated CIP code.
Can I switch from a SOC Analyst role to a different cybersecurity position while on OPT?
You can change employers and roles on OPT, but the new position must still be directly related to your degree field. Moving from SOC Analyst to a penetration testing or threat intelligence role within the same field is generally fine. Report the employer change to your DSO within ten days and update your SEVP portal record to stay in compliance.
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